Chef-owner Toriano Gordon converted the former iconic Kwik-Way by Lake Merritt into a lime green headquarters for vegan barbecue and soul food that opened with a bang. It can be quite a scene out front, with additional amplified music from the art and clothing sellers, and friends and family chowing down. Hopefully, you came hungry. The Mob Meals are barbecue plates with your choice of proteins and sides: the smackaroni mac and cheese and collards are standouts, and fried chicken fans will like the spicy fried chicken (the Cajun seasoning is recommended).
The gumbo is also a fan favorite. Mexican and Filipino influences show up in the Fusion Meals, with tacos, lumpia, burritos, and more, while sandwich lovers will find po’boys, burgers, cheesesteaks, and a commendably melty deep-fried grilled cheese (just ask for extra fry time on that one). Balance out the fried food with a Mob Juice, a green juice with sea moss.
This location will close when they open into a new, full-service location at 1500 Broadway in Downtown Oakland in the summer of 2022. Hopefully, the kind staff will all move over with it.
